I'm new to orchids need advice
 

Hello. I'm new to orchids so I'm glad to be here. My current concern is my Zygopetalum has developed shrivelled pseudobulbs and black spots on the leaves pretty fast. I have had it only a few weeks.
Hoping for advice. I water when she's almost dry and she's in a west window with filtered light so no direct sun. I've attached photos. Any advice?

The wrinkled pbulbs together with those curled leaves' margins are symptoms of lack of water in the plant tissues, because you are not watering enough or because you are overwatering and the roots are rot (making them not able to absorb it).
About the spots...honestly, I don't know.

Thanks for that quick reply! I thought it was water too so I've begun watering more often. The water runs right through the pot very fast though. Now about those spots.... I sure hope I'm not hurting her. I'm a novice with orchids so I've been reading a lot about them.

How have you been watering it? And now?

Hi! I'm a newbie too but I'll share what I think. I've been waiting a lot of videos too. This guy is very good explaining o the detail on how to care for specific orchids.
Here's one about your orchid. Hope it helps

https://youtu.be/bKDCQA_9ChU


Liliana

BTW, where in the USA do you live? That info is important to give a good advice.

I take it to the kitchen sink, pour lukewarm tap water slowly through. It comes right out through all the holes. Maybe it needs a soak?

---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:43 PM ----------

Western NY state. So our summers are hot and short, and winters are long...

Spotting on the leaves is normal for these; it's called zygopetalum crud by many growers; 99% of the time it's superficial. It's almost impossible to overwater zygopetalums in the warm months; if your potting media is as free draining as you say it is, I'd try watering daily--in the morning would be best. What temperature are you growing at, is the plant indoors or out, and how much air movement is there--all of these things will greatly affect the usage of water by your plant.


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Based on what I'm hearing here I'm pretty sure she's terribly underwatered. I'm going to water daily and move her a bit away from the window. Its been so hot here I've had the A/C on everyday recently. My house temp is in the mid-70's. Crud? Ha! Good description!

Hello Sharon and welcome to the board.